Grand List Components

Real Property

Real property is land and building improvements located within the city limits and is assessed at 70 percent of appraised value. Information on all properties, including assessments may be viewed by accessing the Vision Appraisal Online Database. The last State-mandated property revaluation in the City of Norwich was performed for the October 1, 2013 Grand List.

Personal Property

Personal property consists of all businesses located within the city limits. In general terms, it is everything needed to engage in a business enterprise, excluding land and any improvements thereon. State statutes require all businesses to file the annual Declaration of Personal Property form(See All Forms) on or before November 1. Failure to file a personal property declaration by November 1 would result in a 25% assessment penalty.

Unregistered motor vehicles are also taxed as personal property.

Vehicles

Registered motorized or non-motorized vehicles, (including cars, trucks, trailers and motorcycles) are considered motor vehicles for tax purposes. The department maintains a motor vehicle list that is developed with the help of the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle values are based on the average retail from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) price guides recommended by the Office of Policy and Management.

Welcome Homeowner:

On behalf of the City of Norwich, we would like to welcome you to our community. We would also like to make you aware of some programs available to you. If you feel you qualify for any of the following programs, please contact the Assessor's Office at (860) 823-3723.

1. Veterans: If you are a veteran of any war period so declared in the Connecticut General Statutes, you may be entitled to an exemption. You must provide an original or certified copy of your Honorable Discharge or similar document to the Norwich City Clerk. The dates of eligibility change often, so contact the Assessor’s office to make sure you qualify. Filing Deadline: September 30th.

2. Additional Veterans' Exemption: If you receive a veteran’s exemption you or your spouse may be eligible for an additional reduction in taxes for the next assessment year. This program has certain income requirements. Filing Period: February 1st through October 1st.

3. CT Active Duty Military and Active Duty National Guard: If you have 90 days or more cumulative service during a designated war period you may be entitled to an exemption. You must provide a letter stating active duty status, filed annually by September 30th with the City Clerk. If you have a vehicle you may also be entitled to an exemption of that vehicle. Contact our office for more information regarding a vehicle exemption.

4. Leased Vehicle Exemptions: CT Active Duty Military/National Guard and Veterans may be entitled to a refund of taxes for a leased vehicle. Either the Active Duty Military Vehicle form or the Veterans Leased Vehicle form is required to be filed with the assessor. Filing Deadline: Not later than the thirty-first day of December next following the assessment year during which such tax was paid.

5. Disabled Veterans: Veterans claiming disability exemptions must submit proof from the Veterans’ Administration to the Assessor during the assessment period stating the percentage of disability in order to receive the proper amount of exemption. A subsequent filing is required only when there is a change in the percentage of disability. Filing Deadline: You may file until the Board of Assessment Appeals completes its duties.

6. Disabled Veterans Aged 65 or Older: If you qualify for a veteran’s disability exemption and you are over 65, the exemption may be increased to the equivalent of a 100% disability rating. If you qualify, provide us proof of age.

7. Non-Resident Active Duty Military: A non-resident active duty military service person stationed in Connecticut on military orders may be eligible to an exemption of all personal property listed in the "Service Members Civil Relief Act" including motor vehicles owned by the service member and/or spouse. Download the application form.

8. 100% Totally Disabled: Under certain circumstances, residents who are receiving permanent disability benefits under the Federal Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance Program or certain other qualifying programs may be entitled to receive a $1,000 property exemption upon submission of qualifying proof to the Assessor. Download the application form. Filing Deadline: Filed until the completion of the Assessor’s Duties; Signing of the Grand List.

If you qualify for this exemption you may also qualify for the Elderly/Disabled Homeowner's exemption. This program has certain income requirements.Filing Period: February 1st through May 15th.

9. Blind: If you or your spouse is legally blind you may be entitled to a $3,000 exemption off your assessment. A Certificate of Blindness from a licensed physician or a Certificate of Blindness from State of Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind is required. Filing Deadline: File until the signing of the Grand List; January 31st.

10. Elderly or Disabled Exemption Programs: If you are a resident and the owner of the property and you or your spouse is over 65 or considered to be permanently disabled, you may be eligible for a reduction in taxes. This program has certain income requirements Contact the Assessor’s office if you believe you may qualify. Filing Period: February 1st through May 15th.

11. Handicapped Equipped Vehicles: Under Norwich City Ordinances, local exemptions are available to owners of certain private vehicles equipped for transportation of the handicapped. Download the application form. Details are available from the Assessor.

12. Solar Exemptions: Under §12-81(57) of the Connecticut General Statutes a property tax exemption is mandatory for residential property owners for any passive or active solar energy system, solar water space heating system or geothermal energy resources. Class I renewable energy sources or an eligible hydropower facility may also be entitled to a tax exemption. A property owner must file an exemption application before November 1st in the first assessment year for which the exemption is claimed. Download the Solar and Geo-Thermal Heating Exemption form.

14. Antique Vehicles: Vehicles registered or non-registered, 20 years or older that are defined as an antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-1, as amended by Public Act 08-150, Section 1, shall not be assessed more than $500. Filing Deadline: Owner must file Antique Vehicle Affidavit before the signing of the Grand List; January 31st.

The City of Norwich offers many other programs to its residents. Please contact Human Services, the Recreation Department, or the Norwich Public Schools Department as appropriate for information.